The Empty Pockets Band + Band in Dyersburg, TN

ABOUT

In the autumn of 1980, Johnny Ray Jr asked Mickey McClure to join his band, at the time, "The Sons of Country". In the time between then and the formation of the Empty Pockets Band, Johnny and Mickey played together in several bands, "Tennessee" and "Southern Edition", to name a couple. Then in the early 2000's, Johnny was playing in a band called Mainstream, where he was the lead guitarist. The drummer of this group was Greg Barr. Mainstream evolved over the next several years to include Mickey in the band's roster. Mainstream had a loyal following while playing the West Tennessee/SE Missouri club circuit. During the late 2000's, Mainstream evolved into a band called "The NashVegas Five". They became the house band at a Dyersburg, TN family oriented dance club, called Bootscooters. After that club closed, Johnny, Greg, and Mickey, found themselves playing separately, in different bands, including "The Steve Whitson Band", Nuthin' Fancy", and "The Hot Country Band". While Johnny and Greg were playing with "The Hot Country Band" they met a keyboard player named Mike Williams. This brings us up to 2009. In June of that year, Johnny and Greg decided to open a family dance club in Dyersburg called "The Neon Moon Dance Hall". They called Mickey and asked him if he would like to join what was to be the house band at the new club, and he readily accepted. They also contacted an accomplished guitarist from Dyersburg named Tommy Criswell. He accepted the position of lead guitarist in the new band. EPB played their 1st gig on June 13, 2009 at the Neon Moon. A couple of months later Mike Williams was added from Johnny and Greg's "Hot Country Band" days as the keyboard player of EPB. This group of 5 experienced musicians & singers, can hold their own with any band. Especially when it comes to country music (both classic and modern) as well as some southern rock, classic rock, and old time rock & roll. Also, 4 of the 5 members are singers, so that adds a lot of versatility to their sound. This is the story of a friendship that started in 1980, between 2 men, that some 30 years, became The Empty Pockets Band.

Screen name:

emptypockets

Member since:

Jan 23 2011

Active within 1 month

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years together:

35

Gigs played:

Over 100

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Age:

66 years

Influences

Merle Haggard, Hank Jr., Alabama, George Strait, Mel Street, Gene Watson, The Eagles, Ronnie Milsap. Most classic country acts between 1960 and the present, more traditional modern country acts , like Alan Jackson and Easton Corbin.

Members Of Band

Greg Barr-drums, Tommy Criswell-lead guitar, Mickey McClure-rhythm guitar, Johnny Ray Jr- bass guitar, Mike Williams-keyboard. Mickey McClure is main lead vocalist. Johnny Ray Jr and Mike Williams also vocalize.

MUSIC